Albatros vs Pfalz

[FTC_Zero]

Hey i am not very experienced with FC and I tried both the Albatros and Pfalz. They seem very similar but in most guides etc I read that the Albatros seem to have a bad reputation. For me at least it seems a bit faster on a straight line compared to the Pfalz. It is mentioned that the Pfalz is kinda good at diving, but I don't know, diving is quite limited by your RPM anyways. So can you experience guys point out the fine differences between those two planes?

 

 

Big thanks in advance ?

[HotWaffle]

The albatros climbs a little better and is a tad bit faster, but its wings are weaker and break more easily. It retains its energy better than the pfalz in horizontal turns.

 

The Pfalz is more durable. It can withstand more damage, higher speeds in a dive and can pull tighter turns at high speed bacause of this. It retains its energy better than the albatros in vertical turns.

 

Both planes maneuver about the same, with a slight advantage given to the albatros.

 

All in all, I prefer the pfalz because of its durability and its strong dive. Both have gotten me out of many sticky situations. (I also prefer the way it looks)

[FTC_Zero]

1 hour ago, HotWaffle said:

The albatros climbs a little better and is a tad bit faster, but its wings are weaker and break more easily. It retains its energy better than the pfalz in horizontal turns.

 

The Pfalz is more durable. It can withstand more damage, higher speeds in a dive and can pull tighter turns at high speed bacause of this. It retains its energy better than the albatros in vertical turns.

 

Both planes maneuver about the same, with a slight advantage given to the albatros.

 

All in all, I prefer the pfalz because of its durability and its strong dive. Both have gotten me out of many sticky situations. (I also prefer the way it looks)

The pfalz is indeed a beautiful plane. Hmm, maybe i will like it more as a fw190 fan. Slow but sturdy and good at high speed manoeuvring, and of course, good looking ?

But still, a little bit speed is also nice, though it is probably not worth anyways compared to allied counterparts. ?

[ST_Catchov]

3 hours ago, HotWaffle said:

 

All in all, I prefer the pfalz because of its durability and its strong dive. Both have gotten me out of many sticky situations. (I also prefer the way it looks)

 

 

2 hours ago, ZeroCrack01 said:

 

The pfalz is indeed a beautiful plane. Hmm, maybe i will like it more as a fw190 fan. Slow but sturdy and good at high speed manoeuvring, and of course, good looking ?

 

 

Steady on you two types! The Alb, he is beautiful girl. The Pfalz, he is not so nice girl. ?

[US103_Baer]

The current DM has reinterpreted 'durability'.

If you're flying multiplayer you'd be crazy to get in an Albatros if you want to survive.

 

The D7s, Pfalz, and Dr1 are tanks compared to anything else in the game. Just don't let a bullet hit a control cable.

 

For SP, I'm not sure it matters.

[Zooropa_Fly]

The Alby is a more stable shooting platform also.

Possibly the most pleasant ww1 crate modelled to fly around in.

So the wings fall off a bit easy - some peopple are never happy.

Pfffft.

[FTC_Zero]

25 minutes ago, Zooropa_Fly said:

The Alby is a more stable shooting platform also.

Possibly the most pleasant ww1 crate modelled to fly around in.

So the wings fall off a bit easy - some peopple are never happy.

Pfffft.

In the bender and trupo guide they mention though that the Pfalz a stable gun platform. But also out the Alby alone in the worst tier. I was surprised that it is valued that poorly.

 

I really must experience MP more.

[ST_Catchov]

55 minutes ago, ZeroCrack01 said:

But also out the Alby alone in the worst tier. I was surprised that it is valued that poorly.

 

Don't be fooled Cracky. The beautiful old Alby, yeah he gets a bad rap. But I've experienced dogfighting against Zoo baby in his Alby and gosh the moves he did. 

 

Lucky for him I was drunk.

 

And is it the J5 guys? They do okay. In fact, their disdain for the D7 is legendary. And commendable.

[J37_Daedallus]

I wouldn't swap  my Albatros for the world  

she rolls well, responds well to a gentle hand, and just looks so beautiful doing it!

[Guest deleted@83466]

Pfalz is good for bouncing lower-altitude 2 seaters.  When the target breaks, those stronger wings allow you to pull a little bit more G to keep your guns on target, without snapping off your wings.

 

In RoF,  if I would anticipate going up against Camels, I'd choose the Albatros over the Pfalz, because the Albatros could outrun and outclimb a Camel.  You could surprise a gaggle of Camels and keep on going, whereas with the Pfalz it was problematic to disengage, and of course once you are trapped in a turn fight, you are dead.  With the faster FC Camel, the Albatros can't outrun it either, so you are probably just as well off in a Pfalz.

[J2_Jakob]

The stronger top wing and its position in the cockpit view is why I dislike the PD3. Always have a feeling I don't know where I'm going. The gap is too narrow - once the enemy starts turning, he gets obscured by that top wing immediately.

[FTC_Zero]

Ingame spec cards:

Albatros D.Va

Spoiler

Engine
6—cyl. inline Mercedes D. IIIa 180 HP

Dimensions
Height: 2700 mm
Length: 7330 mm
Wing span: 9050 mm
Wing surface:  21.2 sq.m

Weight
Empty: 680 kg
Takeoff: 915 kg
Fuel capacity: 103 l
Oil capacity: 9 l

Climb rate
1000 m —  3 min. 58 sec.
2000 m —  8 min. 33 sec.
3000 m — 14 min. 22 sec.
4000 m — 22 min. 29 sec.
5000 m — 36 min. 41 sec.

Maximum airspeed (IAS)
sea level — 169 km/h
1000 m — 161 km/h
2000 m — 153 km/h
3000 m — 145 km/h
4000 m — 136 km/h
5000 m — 125 km/h
6000 m — 109 km/h

Service ceiling 5400 m

Endurance at 1000 m
nominal power (combat) — 1 h. 40 min.
minimal consumption (cruise) — 4 h. 20 min.

Pfalz D.IIIa

Spoiler

 

Engine
Inline 6 cyl. Mercedes D.IIIa, 180 hp

Dimensions
Height: 2670 mm
Length: 6950 mm
Wing span: 9400 mm
Wing surface: 22,09 sq.m

Weight
Empty: 725
Takeoff: 905
Fuel capacity: 94 l
Oil capacity: 20 l

Climb rate
1000 m —  3 min. 23 sec.
2000 m —  7 min. 19 sec.
3000 m — 12 min. 02 sec.
4000 m — 18 min. 01 sec.
5000 m — 26 min. 22 sec.
6000 m — 40 min. 53 sec.

Maximum airspeed (IAS)
sea level — 171 km/h
1000 m — 164 km/h
2000 m — 155 km/h
3000 m — 147 km/h
4000 m — 138 km/h
5000 m — 127 km/h
6000 m — 114 km/h

Service ceiling 6100 m

Endurance at 1000m
nominal power (combat) — 1 h. 30 min.
minimal consumption (cruise) — 2 h. 50 min

 

I am confused by it, i could swear that albatros overtook me easily at 2-3km alt. Also some of you guys says that the alby is a tad faster and climbs bit better. However those offical data sheets tell the opposite. 

Edited October 1, 2020 by ZeroCrack01

[US103_Baer]

You know what,  they're right! There really aren't enough people flying the Alb. It's certainly a good looking plane and I love seeing them in the air.

[No.23_Starling]

If I’m flying defensively I’ll take the Albi for the same reasons as Trupo but fly only over my own lines so when my wings do fall off I can use my 100% effective ahistorical parachute to keep the vlife. For anything venturing into hostile airspace it’s the diii for me. The durability is so important for keeping back home alive.

[JGr2/J5_Klugermann]

Silly statement since Pfalz cant outrun anything. Neither can a D7 down low. Pilot killed yesterday  by Polish camel at 400m with alt throttle maxed.

[Panzerlang]

7 hours ago, J5_Klugermann said:

Silly statement since Pfalz cant outrun anything. Neither can a D7 down low. Pilot killed yesterday  by Polish camel at 400m with alt throttle maxed.

 

400m...alt-throttle.

[J2_Trupobaw]

Running for your from 1PL Camels will make you use your altitude throttle at 400m :).

(It's designed to fly well above these guys, which is healthier for engine. And pilot. )

[NO.20_W_M_Thomson]

12 hours ago, J5_Klugermann said:

Pilot killed yesterday  by Polish camel

Doesn't matter what you fly against them, 109 if you want they still get you in that Polish camel.

 

By they way, the alb is no different than the se5, camel, dolphin or the spad when it comes to losing body parts. 1 burst and you lose your limbs. 

[ZachariasX]

8 hours ago, J3Hetzer said:

400m...alt-throttle.

It works at any altitude. It is bacically just some further throttle increase beyond power design limits of the engine. It is meant to be used to compensate for power loss at altitude. But if engine service life is no concern to you, there you go.

[JGr2/J5_Klugermann]

What do you expect from someone who dosen't  play the game.

[Angry_Kitten]

Stability is in how you fly granted im only a Rise of Flight pilot at the moment, it all seems based on how you try to fly 

 

Had a pfalz xii excurcsion tonight, that puppy was almost rifle accurate at long range. 

[76SQN-FatherTed]

The Albatros should always be vs the Pfalz in my opinion.  Shortens the odds for those not flying sausage-side.

[Russkly]

From "September Evening", a biography of Werner Voss by Barry Diggens:

 

[J2_Trupobaw]

Among three Mercedes powered scouts: 

- Albatros shines at roll, energy retention and visibility; it sucks in dive and is most fragile to gunfire, is ok in climb.
- Pfalz shines at durability to gunfire, dive and gunnery, is ok in roll and energy retention, sucks at climb and visibility, 
- Fokker D.VII 180hp shines at speed and climb, is ok on durability, dive, visibility and gunnery, is slightly worse than Pfalz in roll and energy retention but does not really suck at anything.

Edited January 25, 2021 by J2_Trupobaw

[BMA_Hellbender]

23 hours ago, J2_Trupobaw said:

Among three Mercedes powered scouts: 

- Albatros shines at roll, energy retention and visibility; it sucks in dive and is most fragile to gunfire, is ok in climb.
- Pfalz shines at durability to gunfire, dive and gunnery, is ok in roll and energy retention, sucks at climb and visibility, 
- Fokker D.VII 180hp shines at speed and climb, is ok on durability, dive, visibility and gunnery, is slightly worse than Pfalz in roll and energy retention but does not really suck at anything.

 

I'd like to weigh in here and say: in a perfect world without Sopwiths, your choice should clearly be the Fokker D.VII. The problems begin when you're faced with a Sopwith Camel or even a humble Dolphin, as they have similar or better speed than the Fokker D.VII, and way better or marginally better sustained turn and better climb. Obviously with the Fokker D.VIIF you have the advantage in terms of overall speed and climb, but yeah, well, that's the D.VIIF.

 

So then it comes down to Albatros vs. Pfalz: if you can push the envelope without breaking it and are confident enough in your abilities to never get hit, the Albatros wins hands down. In the real sim world: bet on Pfalz.

 

So the winner is...

 

Spoiler

The Fokker Dr.I.

 

In spite of it being just incredibly slow it's still the plane with the best sustained turn (at least until we get the Sopwith Pup) and it has spectacular energy retention to boot. Combine this with excellent durability, a decent enough dive and a parachute, and you have an awesome little point defense system. Just never, ever, ever stray far from your own lines.

 

Edited January 26, 2021 by =IRFC=Hellbender

[ZachariasX]

47 minutes ago, =IRFC=Hellbender said:

it's still the plane with the best sustained turn

Is that so? Equal fuel and in a right hand turn I never see the Dr.I gain on the Camel. It comes just down to who can stomach the perfect turn speed the longest before it departs (or you meet a tree). To the left the Dr.I is dead when flying on the deck, as you can climb in the Camel while holding the Dr.I's turn. This makes it far easier to use a dive to pull inside the Dr.I than staying in a level turn.

 

This is consistent with Holtzauge's simulation, where the Dr.I loses in a sustained turn to the Camel, although at a narrow margin. The excessive induced drag of the triplane arrangement plus (in most cases) a weaker engine do that.

 

Down low, if you can stay above the Dr.I in the Camel (the plane as the performance for that) the Dr.I is dead. Up there, it is an even match. What the Camel has for higher performance, The Dr.I has for maneuvering and prophangs to get shots like almost no other plane can.

 

And I agree that the Alb is a more dangerous opponent thatn the Pfalz, but only if the pilot can fly in a wing saving manner. That it is less sturdy I find of less consequence if your V-life matters to you, as first blood usually determines the fight anyway. The Pfalz is the one that you can hurt more before it goes down, and that that's about it.

[ST_Catchov]

Yes but the Dr1 has ....

 

1 hour ago, =IRFC=Hellbender said:

excellent durability

 

That trumps the Camel if the clown gets some lucky sausage shots in. The Dr1 can fly with half the top wing missing and be shot to pieces. I've not seen that in the Camel.

[US103_Baer]

Durability? Has anyone actually managed to pull the wings off an undamaged Pfalz? Preferably while maintaining a healthy engine and keeping ailerons attached.

[BMA_Hellbender]

1 hour ago, ST_Catchov said:

That trumps the Camel if the clown gets some lucky sausage shots in. The Dr1 can fly with half the top wing missing and be shot to pieces. I've not seen that in the Camel.

 

It's true but the Camel pilot should flip a switch in his head when he sees a Dr.I (again, emphasis on should) and go full-on BnZ.

 

Even better: a Camel can avoid fighting a Dr.I unless he gets him by surprise, and just fly away.  The combination of Fokker Dr.I + Fokker D.VII, who can just about keep up with the Camel, is in other words quite deadly. Or alternatively, just fly the Fokker D.VIIF all day every day, which is what most people seem to want to do anyway.

 

 

20 minutes ago, US28_Baer said:

Durability? Has anyone actually managed to pull the wings off an undamaged Pfalz? Preferably while maintaining a healthy engine and keeping ailerons attached.

 

So not this way then?

 

 

No.

 

Pfalz stronk!

[ST_Catchov]

9 hours ago, =IRFC=Hellbender said:

Or alternatively, just fly the Fokker D.VIIF all day every day, which is what most people seem to want to do anyway.

 

Yes this is an unfortunate truth. I guess you can't blame them, but well you know ....

[US103_Baer]

13 hours ago, =IRFC=Hellbender said:

 

So not this way then?

 

 

Ah, I was pulling straight back, i guess rolling puts more load on a single wing. Was that 10G+?

Your engine did look stuffed though..

[Angry_Kitten]

if you follow the Dicta, you can do well in either plane.  

 

Dont be a sucker, only engage when you know you can get out of it.   HITTING your target makes it easier to get out of it.  

[ST_Catchov]

2 hours ago, pocketshaver said:

if you follow the Dicta, you can do well in either plane.  

 

Sage advice shaver.   It's well to remember the prudence of one who knows ....

 

2 hours ago, pocketshaver said:

Dont be a sucker, only engage when you know you can get out of it.

 

Ah f*ck  I keep forgetting that. 

Edited January 31, 2021 by ST_Catchov

[BMA_Hellbender]

5 hours ago, pocketshaver said:

if you follow the Dicta, you can do well in either plane.  

 

Dont be a sucker, only engage when you know you can get out of it.   HITTING your target makes it easier to get out of it.  

 

From a historical and survival point of view that is indeed excellent advice.

 

Practically speaking for people playing a video game with limited time, especially newer players, I'd still urge you to get into dogfights and die. Don't get me wrong: your personal stats are important (those who say they're not haven't found them yet) and winning the mission for your team is also important, but you can never really grow unless you push yourself. Sometimes not in the best plane and sometimes not in the most favourable situation. Learning from death is a luxury we have.

 

And then after that you obviously pick a Camel, SPAD or D.VIIF and win the mission for your team all the while getting to 200 kills in your vlife. But first things first.

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

2 hours ago, =IRFC=Hellbender said:

And then after that you obviously pick a Camel, SPAD or D.VIIF and win the mission for your team all the while getting to 200 kills in your vlife. But first things first.

 

yes ,nothing more is needed ???

[Angry_Kitten]

but if you cant take someone out, from 6 oclock high when flying OUT of the sun..... in a halberstadt... then i dont think flying a Dr1 or Dviif is going to help you out much